Asks Commission VIII To Re-check The Proposed Rp45 Million Hajj Fee, DPR Leadership: The Increase Must Be Rational

JAKARTA - The DPR leadership asked Commission VIII in partnership with the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) to re-examine the proposed increase in the 2022 hajj fees proposed by the Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Where there was an increase in costs from the previous year to Rp45,053,368 per congregation.

It is known, the cost of hajj in 2020 is only Rp. 31.45 million to Rp. 38.35 million per pilgrim. Then in 2021 it will increase to IDR 44.3 million.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from the PKB faction, Muhaimin Iskandar, said his party did not want the budget to increase this year's hajj costs beyond what is needed for the implementation of worship for Muslims.

"Therefore, I ask Commission VIII to re-check," said Muhaimin to reporters, Friday, February 18.

The PKB general chairman admitted that he only wanted to make sure that the increase in hajj costs made sense for prospective pilgrims. What's more, in a difficult situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If there is an increase, it must be rational," said Cak Imin.

Previously, the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) proposed the cost of hajj 1443 Hijri/2022 AD of IDR 45 million per congregation. The proposed hajj fee increased from the previous year, which was Rp. 44.3 per pilgrim.

The Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas had previously submitted a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR RI which was attended virtually on Wednesday, February 17.

"The proposed cost of organizing the pilgrimage in 1443 Hijri / 2022 AD is IDR 45,053,368 per congregation," said Minister of Religion Yaqut.

The Rp45 million fee will be used for the needs of the pilgrims including flight costs, living costs, some costs in Mecca and Medina, visa fees, and PCR costs in Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Religion Yaqut explained that the consideration of increasing the cost of hajj for 2022 includes balancing the amount of the congregation's burden and the continuity of the pilgrimage the following year.

"The balance is to relieve the congregation with the costs to be paid," said Minister of Religion Yaqut.